Our Lady Star of the Sea Memorial Chapel
Hmas Cerberus, VIC 3920
Church Information
| Church Name: | Our Lady Star of the Sea Memorial Chapel |
| Church Previous Name: | - |
| Denomination: | Catholic Church in Australia |
| Street Address: | Nelson Rd, Hmas Cerberus VIC 3920, Australia |
| Suburb: | Hmas Cerberus |
| State: | VIC |
| Postcode: | 3920 |
| Foundation Stone Laid: | 06-10-1946 |
| Foundation Stone Notes: | A plaque records: A M D G - This church was erected to the memory of - those men of The Royal Australian Navy - who gave their lives in World Wars 1 and 2 - May they rest in peace. Foundation stone blessed and laid by His - Grace The Archbishop of Melbourne - Most Rev D Mannix DD LL D - 6th October 1946. A plaque records: On Sunday 10 October 1948, Melbourne Archbishop Mannix solemnly blessed and opened the chapel. It was dedicated to Our Lady Star of the Sea, patroness of seafarers. The first public Mass was celebrated in the new chapel at 10.45 a.m. on Monday, October 11, 1948. The Solemn Requiem Mass, was offered for the repose of the souls of personnel of the Royal Australian Navy who gave their lives in the two World Wars. |
| Date Opened: | 10-10-1948 |
| Date Closed: | unknown |
| Email: | admin@churchesaustralia.org |
Comments
The Our Lady of the Sea Memorial Chapel, Hmas Cerberus, was erected by the Catholic people of Australia, to perpetuate the memory of those personnel of the Royal Australian Navy who gave their lives in WW 1 and 2. The Chapel was not consecrated until it was debt free and this took place on 18 August 1977 by the Military Vicar, Bishop John Aloysius Morgan. Signifying that the chapel is consecrated are twelve crosses and candles fixed around the interior walls of the chapel, and imbedded into the consecrated altar are the relics of Saints Laurence and Lucidius, martyrs of Rome. Among the benefactors are the famous American actor/singer Bing Crosby who donated the stained glassed windows where the present confessional is located. His connection is that he was visiting friends in nearby Mornington soon after the chapel was built, and was inspired to make a contribution to its beauty. The Chapel is inside the grounds of the Royal Australian Navy base, HMAS Cerberus, where sailors of the RAN have trained since 1911.
More historical information/photographs of the chapel/congregation are invited. Photographs uploaded 5/3/2023.
Note: Photograph attribution/source - http://military.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/HMAS-Cerberus1.jpg
